Summer Surprise

                      

Dear Rain,

Thank you for coming to visit! I think, because it has been 100 degrees everyday, that I loved you even more than normal. When my mommy told me that you were here, I couldn’t wait to go outside and feel you on my skin. (I didn’t even want my “juh-brella!”) I had to have my shirt off right away so that I could feel you better. I loved to pretend to shower in your water and I loved that you painted my pictures so beautifully. So, even if you don’t come back for a while, thanks for coming to see me! It was a welcomed surprise and I’ll look forward to the next time. 

Your friend,
Quinn

     

When you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible. -When Harry Met Sally

  

On Saturday, my precious Kaylynn got married. Kaylynn and I have known each other for almost 7 years…and in those seven years, I have watched her grow into the most amazing woman. It all started when I met her during our first Sunday at Matt’s new job. I had been married for 3 short months and was very anxious about being a “youth pastor’s wife!” I didn’t feel qualified to be the person that young girls were supposed to look up to…and wasn’t sure how a room full of teenage girls would feel about me. But, during that Sunday, I remember this precious little sixth grade girl walking up to me and treating me like we had known each other for always. She, despite her young age, was ministering to me in such an amazing way…and our friendship grew from there. … I always looked forward to seeing Kaylynn…and knew that she would always be excited to see me.

Over the course of the next 6 years, I would watch Kaylynn grow from a snaggle toothed little pre-teen, to the most amazing “Bible Babe” that would become the wife to Mr. Wil Stone! Even though, I must admit, that the news of their engagement was a shock to my system, it didn’t take me long to realize that Kaylynn and Wil were meant to be…and that they were going to make each other so very happy!

So, Saturday came…and I watched my sweet little “favorite” say “I DO!” And, I was so privileged to stand beside her as a bridesmaid for the event. She was stunning and calm {for the most part!:)} ….and so ready to walk down that isle! And, now, she is Mrs. Kaylynn Stone…and I can’t wait to continue our sweet relationship through this next chapter in her life. … I truly wish her all of the happiness in the world!   Matt was the “mature” pastor that married these two!… Quinn loved Kaylynn’s flowers…I think he was trying to pick one here! … And, he was quick to give her some very sweet lovin’…Sorry, Wil! :) …

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mr. and Mrs. Stone…

The precious Daddy/Daughter dance…

 

 

 

 

 

 

                              

My little man was so sweet…Shannon kept him during the wedding and he was very concerned about Matt and I! :) He could see us but didn’t know why he couldn’t “hold” us! As soon as I got to him after the wedding, he said, “Hold you NOW, Momma!” … He warmed up a little to the dance floor…but wasn't the ham that his Daddy tends to be. … At least he got to lead the “train” for Come on Ride That Train…

One of the funniest moments (that happened more than once) was when I would watch Quinn look for me in a sea of yellow dresses. He would think it was me, look up to see it was not, and then continue to spin in circles until he found me! …I’m sure he was wondering why ALL of these girls were wearing his Momma’s dress! :) …

Leaving to sparkers…Can’t wait to see you livin’ out that Happily Ever After, Mr. and Mrs. Stone!

We love you!!!

floaties.

He loves them.

I mean LOVES them.

To the point that he was mad that he had to take them off when we got in the car.

And, he loved being in the pool with them.

Bobbing.

Floating.

Kicking.

ALL BY HIMSELF!

I was shocked.

And so very happy!

Here’s to even more fun…and less stressful…trips to the pool!

 

 

 

 

P.S. He has to bathe in his floaties now! :)

Daddy is Thirty-Two!!!

We celebrated Daddy’s 32nd birthday in style…here are a few things to help us remember the big THREE-TWO!!!…

1. Matt woke up early and went to PT. A little birdie might have called and reminded the physical therapists that it was Matt’s birthday! And, they might have locked him out of the office until they got to hang some signs! What a fun start to a birthday!

2. When Matt got home, he was greeted with the most excited little 2 year old…”Happy Birthday, Daddy!”

3.We had orange rolls and some decorations waiting for him! :) His favorite…and Q and I loved it too! :) 4. After breakfast, Matt got to open “just one” gift! (Q likes to hold up his finger and say “just one!”) …And, he got this cool book! He loved it! 5. Daddy had to go to work for a little while…but he got lots of Happy Birthday phone calls from us, family and friends.

6. When Matt came home, he got more Happy Birthday love from a sweet little guy!

7. Then, we got to give him the rest of his presents…one was a full basket of things that had special meaning. I put notes on each thing…one for how Quinn interpreted the meaning of the gift, and one was how I interpreted it! His favorite was his “Special Buddies” cereal. (like the Rob & Big episode…so funny!) 8. Another gift was his framed “TGTBT!” (too good to be true…our thing that we’ve always said!) … Each letter is from a place of significance…

T:our first apartment in Allen; G: the light on the outside of our first house; T: from the church where we got married; B: from the sign at the park where we had our first date in Abilene; T: from the baby bed at the hospital where Quinn was born…

He loved it and it will be the perfect start to his office that we’re going to re-decorate for his birthday! :) 99. After opening gifts, we went to the outlet mall to do a little shopping (and ice cream eating) with birthday money. He got lots of great things…and Q loved being with his Daddy on his birthday! 10. We came home, freshened up and headed out to eat Hibachi/Sushi with just a few of Matt’s closest friends! … It was yum…and, remembering that Q isn’t a fan of hibachi restaurants, I brought LOTS of stuff to entertain him! :) (smart mamma!) …

11. After dinner, Matt had a great rendition of “Happy Birthday” sung to him…complete with drums!!!…it was classic!!!…and the birthday boy danced his heart out! :)

12. We smiled for the camera…it was fun to have a few dear friends there to celebrate!

13. While we were waiting for the check, Q had a BLAST with his chopsticks drumsticks! He gave yet another birthday shout out to his Daddy…just watch! :) …

14. After dinner, we all came back to our house and got ready to eat this…I made it! :) …

15. Then, Matt and his little guy blew out the candles together! Q had been anxious to blow them out (and EAT THE CAKE!) all day! He couldn’t wait to help his Daddy!!!…

16. Then we ate…it was yum! (I’ll post the recipe on my Gacky’s Apron blog) … Q made a horrific mess but loved EVERY bite! And, the next day, I realized that I had forgotten all about the ice cream that was in the freezer! Oh well! …

17. And, to end a great birthday, one of our sweet youth girls came over to put Q to bed and stay at our house while he slept so that we could go to a movie with lots of friends! :)…It was the birthday boy’s choice…

…but, I must admit that I liked it! (minus TONS of fighting scenes!) And, Bumblebee is my favorite! …

It was a fun birthday and I am so thankful that I got to celebrate with my sweet husband! Happy 32nd Birthday, Matthew Poe! I love you! 

P.S. Michael Jackson died today {Matt’s 32nd birthday} at age 50. We couldn’t believe it when we got the news this afternoon. …So, the rest of Matt’s birthday was filled with lots of tributes…and some good tunes to listen to!